There's no shortage of reasons why people are taking up cycling. Some decide they want to cycle more now because the price of gas has risen so high, and because it costs so much to keep a car maintained. Some decide to cycle because they want to have less of an impact on the environment when traveling.
And there are other riders who love to do it because it's fun. No matter what the reason is for choosing a bicycle, there are some things you should keep in mind before you decide. Bicycles should not just be chosen because of their looks or their brand name. This article gives you some tips and pointers to help you pick the bicycle that will be perfect for you.
It is important to know how your bike comes to a stop. You have to think about what you are most comfortable with along the lines of stopping your bicycle. Those who do not use their bikes very regularly will be happy with normal brakes, those which simply squeeze the tire with two small pads to slow the bike down. If you are going to be using your bicycle more often or in heavy terrain, you will want brakes that are a little more hard core and complicated. These brakes are called 'disc brakes' and are located within the wheel, they are far more reliable than normal brakes and are less likely to fail over time. The handlebars you choose are another important aspect. There are many different types to choose from, each better for specific roles. Traditional handlebars that just go straight out are good for maneuvering over difficult terrain. They are good for distributing your weight as you ride over a bigger area. If you are going to be racing, however, you’ll want handlebars that are slimmer and that force you to lean forward to create a more streamlined effect, which can help you go faster on the road. If you aren’t going to be using your bicycle very often, you might simply opt for a handlebar style that feels comfortable and makes it easier to store your bicycle while you aren’t using it.
You should already have your safety gear bought and ready to go. The new bicycle helmets look and feel nothing like the old bicycle helmets. Not only do they look a lot better than they used to, they are also built better to provide greater protection. You should never even think about riding the bike without first putting on your helmet. Sometimes that fraction of padding really can save your life!
You might also consider investing in elbow, knee, wrist and ankle guards—especially if you look what i found are going to be going “off road†on your bicycle. Pants clips are another great investment, especially if you are using your bike as your sole means of transportation. These clips are designed to keep your pants from getting caught up in the gears and the chain. Several different factors play into how you are going to choose the right bicycle. Do you want to ride your bicycle every day or do you see yourself only riding it once in a while? Which height is most comfortable for you? Do you prefer your feet to rest flat on the ground or do you like to have some room between them and the ground when you are sitting on the bicycle’s seat? All of these factors will come into play as you make your choice.